If you’re traveling and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options and we’re looking to get the best price for our budget. We’re not as keen on roughing it as we used to be, but we still want to save some dough.
What you do and where you decide to stay will depend on a few things like:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your crew
- Your interests
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same as paying full price for a room you really want. Our goal is to assist you in saving money on accommodation and get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’d prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the costs with our friends or families. But for short stays, we’re happy to stay in family-friendly hotels or hostels.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the globe, you should consider taking a longer trip to places where you can save more and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not logical to find a cheap hotel if it’s miles away from everything , and you’ll need to pay more for transportation. Look for places in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do such as restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Some hotels provide better rates If you stay for two or more nights. In some cases, you can stay for four nights and pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the lines at check-ins and outs on Monday and Friday.
Weekdays are your friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are cheaper during the week than weekends. So, stay away from all the tourists and spare some money by going during the week.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during off-season. If you can travel in the shoulder season (between peak and off-peak) you’ll cut costs, avoid crowds and still enjoy decent weather.
Compare rates across various booking websites
Don’t just book through the first site you discover. Compare prices across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs in which members earn rewards and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations earlier can get you a better deal and other times, waiting till the very last moment may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid of negotiating
If you are booking directly through a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or features. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or houses, are an ideal option for families or groups. And many times, they can be less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can utilize these rewards to cover lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees Be sure to check the fine print prior to making a booking.
Find discounts or promotions
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions on items such as military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found in smaller hotel chains, or in vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Look for pet-friendly options
If you’re planning to travel with your pet Look for places that cater to pets. These places may provide special discounts or deals for guests with pets.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. Make sure you be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Home swapping or housesitting is the process of swapping houses with someone else and live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic option to save money on lodging while also having your own space.
Think about renting a campervan RV
If you’re traveling with a family or group renting a campervan or RV is an excellent way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to travel around the world and also have your own transportation in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and deals that aren’t offered to the general people. They can also conduct the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together as a package deal can often save you money on each of the components.
Find hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Explore home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, such as staying in a private space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete house for a large gathering.
In addition, Here are some suggestions to help you find cheap luggage
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to look these stores up before you buy from a traditional department store.
Find sales during off-season
Like with accommodations, you can often find good deals on luggage during the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for outdoor and travel gear stores.
Buy used or refurbished
Take a look at buying second-hand or used luggage. This can be a great way to save money on high-end brands. You may be able to find lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay have good options and also local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination it is possible to find a great location to stay within your budget and incredible discounts regarding luggage and luggage options for the next trip. By comparison shopping and signing up for loyalty programs, making reservations early or last-minute, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, or exploring other options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.